A Doer of the Word

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25

All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

As I study God’s Word, it speaks to my heart.  I know I should more often be a “Doer of the Word”, but unfortunately, I don’t always take that next necessary step.  It’s frustrating when I’m unable to apply what I’ve studied to a particular situation. Sometimes it’s fear that holds me back, but often it’s my memory.  I may have a vague sense of an appropriate scripture, but can’t get it quite right.  Or worse, I may not be able to think of any scripture at all to apply!

Since the Spirit can help me use His Word in many powerful and positive ways,  I must do my part and try to memorize it. Oh boy. How will I ever be able to memorize, when I  have trouble remembering even the simplest things—like the name of a person I’ve just met!?  To make this challenge seem less daunting, I decided to take it on in baby steps. I've tried to memorize a verse or two a day—using a scripture that has special meaning for me. It’s amazing how many I've been able to memorize with the Spirit’s help!

Memorizing keeps His Word handy in my brain—ready and waiting to be used at any moment.  This gives me such a feeling of confidence and strength.  And guess what? Since I started this challenge, I’ve been able to apply some of those scriptures in a few situations. Being a “Doer of the Word” feels so awesome!  I found His Word takes on a new, deeper meaning—and I can feel its power transforming me and making me a more effective servant.  I don’t think I appreciated just how powerful the Word of God was until I was able to feel it in action!

I may not always be able to keep up the pace of a verse a day—especially during busy times of the year.  Also, I know I still have a long ways to go before I can always be an effective “Doer of the Word”.  But I think as long as I keep trying my best—slowly but surely, God will be able to work in me and through me in powerful ways!

Prayer:  All-Knowing God, forgive us for being both afraid and forgetful when it comes to being “Doers of Your Word”.   Help us as we study Your Word, to not only understand, but also memorize what it says--so we may put it into action more effectively.  And thank you for all the amazing and powerful ways Your Word helps us each day. Amen.

Sharon Irvin (reprinted from 2006, revised for re-release in 2018)